ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s cabinet has approved a draft agreement that allows the government to provide troops for security at the FIFA football World Cup in Qatar later this year, Pakistan’s information minister said on Monday.
A summary outlining the agreement, to be signed between Doha and Islamabad, was approved by the cabinet, minister Marriyum Aurangzeb told Reuters, ahead of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Qatar starting Tuesday.
It was not immediately clear when the agreement would be signed between the two countries.
The cabinet summary, reviewed by Reuters, said the government of Qatar had requested assistance in security-related aspects of the World Cup between Nov. 21 and Dec. 18 2022, and that Pakistan’s military had proposed the signing of an agreement between both states for the purpose.
“The agreement aims to define the obligations of the two parties, the specific specializations, and the number of security personnel to be sent by Pakistan to participate in the security and safety operations,” the summary read.
Qatar’s government media office did not immediately confirm or respond to a request to explain why Doha has requested the Pakistani troops or what they will be doing during the tournament.
There was also no immediate response from the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, which is overseeing the organization of the World Cup, including security.
The summary did not provide any details of the agreement such as how many personnel could be sent.
The approval of the agreement comes a day before Prime Minister Sharif departs for Doha on a two-day visit starting Tuesday.
Sharif will be accompanied by his cabinet ministers, according to a government handout on Monday.
“The two sides will discuss bilateral relations between the two countries, especially to move forward cooperation in energy, trade, and investment opportunities,” the handout said.
Sharif is also scheduled to visit a football stadium in Doha where he will be briefed about the efforts undertaken by the Qatari government in the World Cup, the handout added.
Pakistan approves agreement draft to provide troops for World Cup security in Qatar — minister
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Pakistan approves agreement draft to provide troops for World Cup security in Qatar — minister
- Summary of agreement, to be signed between Doha and Islamabad, approved by cabinet
- Approval comes ahead of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to Qatar starting Tuesday
Pakistan’s deputy PM discusses ways to boost economic, trade ties with Iran
- Both countries agreed in August to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion by 2028
- Pakistan and Iran have been working to stabilize relations after strained security ties
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar presided over a meeting to discuss economic and trade cooperation with Iran, the foreign office said on Friday, as the neighboring countries seek to expand ties.
The development took place during an inter-ministerial meeting on Pakistan-Iran bilateral relations chaired by Dar in Islamabad. Pakistan and Iran have been working to stabilize ties following a period of strained security relations.
Both countries have been working to enhance bilateral trade, setting up border markets and exploring barter trade to circumvent banking and currency restrictions. Sanctions and foreign exchange shortages remain key hurdles for Iran, making these alternative systems central to its trade strategy with Pakistan.
“The meeting reviewed ongoing cooperation across a range of sectors and discussed ways to further enhance economic and trade ties,” the foreign office said in a statement.
“The DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening engagement with Iran in key priority areas.”
In December, the foreign ministers of Iran and Pakistan vowed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade and connectivity while working for regional peace.
Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian also visited Pakistan in August, during which both countries signed agreements to increase bilateral trade to $10 billion by 2028.
